COB BASRA, Iraq " Sitting on white and red-striped benches under a tent handmade for ease of packing and moving, surrounded in every direction by views of vast desert, unbroken, except for an occasional bush or sandy knoll, leaders of the US and Iraqi Armies met near Basrah, Iraq, Jan 14, with local Bedouin Shaykhs who call this desert home

Maj Gen Richard Nash, United States Division " South commander, and Maj Gen Abdul Aziz Noor Swady al Dalmy, 14th Iraqi Army Div commander, were invited to the land of Shaykh Wabdan and the Sa'adoun tribe confederation to discuss issues affecting Wabdan's tribe, the area around Basrah and relations with the Iraqi Army

After tea, heated over a fire of twigs, and introductions, Shaykh Wabdan started the discussions by stating how the security situation in Basrah has improved over the last few years

Before Operation Charge of the Knights -- the Iraqi Army's mission to cleanse Basrah of militants, which began Mar 2008 -- the Shaykh said the security situation was so bad that outlaws and armed people where always in the streets, and one could regularly expect to see terrorists

"It was very dangerous going to Basrah Every time, going to the city was an adventure; we would always take people as escort and force protection," Wabdan said through a translator "Every person who was loyal to the country was a target"

Thanks to the efforts of the police, the security forces, and especially the Iraqi Army, that has all changed, he said

"Thank God, after the Charge of the Knights we gave all of our weapons to the Army because we didn't need them anymore," Wabdan said through a translator, speaking of his tribe "The Army is very loyal to Iraq"

Aziz and Nash agreed that the security situation has changed for the better, and that all Iraqis play a role

"Security and stability was not achieved only by guns Our greatest support came from the people," Aziz said through a translator "That was the main reason for our success"
With the improving security situation, Wabdan would like to increase his tribe's dealings with the American and Iraqi governments

The large tracks of desert the tribe uses for grazing are mostly uninhabited and fall along Iraq's border This creates the opportunity for the tribe to aid security forces as extra eyes along the border

"They apply the same concept in Saudi Arabia and Jordan," Wabdan said through a translator

The governments of those countries have helped tribes set up cities close to the border In exchange for better access to wells, power and health care, tribes improve security by providing more bodies along the border, an arrangement benefiting both parties, Wabdan said

The generals also took the opportunity to experience a taste of Bedouin lifestyle

The Bedouin culture, while embracing many changes of the modern world, is very traditional and in some ways has been unchanged for centuries The most striking example is large herds of camels shepherded across the desert in search of forage Loyalty to the tribe and family is also important

After a tour of the surrounding desert, with camel rides, a discussion on how deep a well must be to reach safe water and what work must be done to obtain food through the seasons, a traditional dinner of rice and lamb was served

The Shaykh wanted to honor Nash and his visit and have a big crowd, but, at the advice of Aziz, he kept it to immediate family

At a previous election party Wabdan held, he invited only first cousins Over 4,000 people showed up and four 300-meter tents were needed to accommodate them A big party would involve 10,000 people, Aziz said
"I told him no way," he said

When the generous servings of food were gone, Aziz wanted to thank the outgoing Nash, whose command of USD-S will soon be transferred to the 1st Infantry Div
"I want you to have confidence that you left a legacy behind you that we will follow We have learned from your professionalism," Aziz said "You are leaving behind you people who are very loyal to Iraq"

Nash said his thanks and expressed his hope that the safety and security of Basrah will continue and, that now the economy can start to improve

"It's about the next generation," he said "As our mission finishes up here it is up to investors, businessmen and tourists to come to Iraq and to ensure that terrorists and criminals do not take over Iraq again"

The Shaykh also expressed his hopes for Iraq

"The Iraqi people are a good people Sectarian activity will never succeed in our country," he said through a translator "Iraq is for Iraqis, not for terrorists or terrorism; they don't exist in our minds anymore"

"We hope the New Year will be a reconstruction year," he added, "not just for the land but for the spirit too"

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.